Or check out Red Lightning’s inspiring plans-in-progress to bring Playa-inspired shelter and more to North Dakota.

BWB Program Director, Christopher Breedlove, explained the high level of Burner activism, “While many people credit Burning Man with putting them in touch with their inner-artist, many also credit Black Rock City with putting them in touch with their inner-citizen. On the streets of BRC any citizen is immediately empowered to get involved, look for solutions, and propose community action to fix perceived problems– these lessons flow out into everyday life.”

And just like a stranger handing you a cold mojito as you stumble in from a dust storm, there are a number of Burners working to add loving refreshment to the parched political landscape.

Tex Allen has become known for his clown noses. But as soon as the election was over, he and tons of others hit
the streets with “FREE HUGS” signs and a message to “Make America Kind Again!”

Burner, Paul E. Amori, is going from long time mayor of Lightning In A Bottle to mayoral candidate of Los Angeles. Frustrated with the level of hate in local and national politics, he has been throwing love rallies and yes, really is running for mayor. “Times like these require that we do more than sit on the sidelines and escape into our beautiful festival bubbles where we have already created the world we want to live in. We need to help shepherd that world into reality and the only way we do that is by getting involved!”

A number of groups including the Abraxas Art car just set up “Catharsis on the Mall” in the shadow of the Washington Monument in Washington DC. (Facebook Photo Gallery) Their request for a 30 foot temple burn was turned down, but they did have a smaller real-life burn just blocks from the White House! (Washington Post Article)
Participant, Vladimir Herrera, glowed, “It was packed with lectures, discussions, workshops, community art, and amazing music, all seeking to facilitate healing for each other and our society at large.”

P.S. This is not a post about politics – so please don’t use these comments as a venue for your views. These “Do-ocracy” efforts by fellow Burners simply inspired me (and my 10-year-old nephew). But if you’ve got a better idea, DO IT! And if you’re already doing something, SHARE IT!

Halcyon is a 20-year Burning Man participant and co-founder of Pink Heart camp. He is author of "Love more. Fear less." and producer of the Burning Man short film, "The Pink Path." He's won Webby awards for his over-the-top personal site & his "Love On Demand" video podcast HugNation.com. He hosted the defunct NBC.com web series "Fears. Regrets. Desires." and frequently speaks about Gratitude & Gifting. In 2010, Halcyon co-founded the San Diego based "1st Saturdays" homeless outreach program based on Burning Man Principles and the idea of "Service Without Sacrifice." You can find his digital home at www.Halcyon.pink

That Washington Post article is incredibly inaccurate, did you read it before you posted it? The event wasn’t just a “burn,” it was a healing event- free and open to the public.
The event was called “Catharsis on the Mall: A Vigil for Healing.” It’s easily verifiable.

In 2015, I just wandered by Catharsis I for a few minutes, on my way home from downtown. I left a bit o’ trauma and drama on the wall of the Temple, and thought the whole Burn-on-the-Mall thing was way cool.

This past November, Catharsis was on Veterans’ Day weekend. Which meant I had Friday off. Which meant I could go. I was also signed up for 2 days, 20 hours, of class to re-certify in Wilderness First Aid.

Long story short, the first aid boss for Catharsis was stuck up north till Friday afternoon. I wound up setting up First aid, with Frostburn / Wickerman’s gear. Do-ocracy meant that instead of just wandering in and checking it out, I got to be part of it.